From Ecology to Emergency Care: An Ecofeminist Exploration of Gender, Health, and Sustainable Development

Abstract

The ongoing issues of climate change together with environmental destruction show how different genders experience vulnerability which results in negative effects on women's health and well-being. This paper uses an ecofeminist approach to study how sustainable development goals 5 (gender equality) and 13 (climate action) link structural gender discrimination with ecological changes that impact human health. Through its interdisciplinary qualitative research the study shows how women in society face health risks from climate change because of their caregiving responsibilities and their limited ability to participate in decision-making. The research gap exists because climate and sustainability policies fail to include women's health experiences which especially affects medical sociology research. The paper suggests gender responsive measures which will help achieve health goals together with ecological protection and sustainable development objectives.